In Ojibwa stories, Misamik, Nanabush’s pet giant beaver, built a giant dam at Bawating or Sault Ste. Marie area. It was said it was powerful enough to hold back the might of Lake Superior. Then after Years of neglect all that is left is the mighty rock base. Two things we must see from this great Ojibwa story and Region 4’s influence upon OCIP. One is that Region 4 has always helped hold back the might of disregarding the Past; thereby it puts in the work and dedication it takes to make a strong structure and hold true to our Ancestors. OCIP has always needed this lesson for it is ever caught between the need to conform to official rules and duties, while at the same time holding true to the traditions of our Ancestors. It is via hard work that a dam was created to hold to the mainstream rules and the leadings of the Great Creator, Mother Earth, Our Ancestors, and our Future; but this has always been from the work and guidance of Region 4. Another great lesson that Region 4 brings forth is twofold, first if OCIP takes it eyes off of the situation then the dam or situation will break down. Next, even if it does break down, the stone base is always there to build a new dam from. If you have ever seen Beavers building a dam, they always first look to build upon either an old dam or a strong base, OCIP has become the same. So OCIP gains the knowledge from all of Region 4’s membership that they must stem the tide of conformity, while not taking its eyes off the task at hand. But it must ever remembered that if something is missed, forgotten or lost we still have the stones to rebuild a strong dam or organization.

Important Covid-19 Funding Update

OCIP is pleased to announce that it has been able to secure a limited amount of funds for a final round of Covid-19 Community support for its members. This Community support will be in effect from January 16^th ,2023 till March 31^st ,2023. This support is to help alleviate some of the further burden of the Covid-19 pandemic. OCIP has heard the continued calls of its members and in conjunction with all 9 regions and CAP with support from Governmental sources is now able to offer this Final round of Community Support. It MUST be noted that Funds are limited and timing is critical as the March 31^st ,2023 deadline is firm. Therefore, OCIP has adopted the following protocols.

a) All information must be completely filled out with all Supporting documentation
b) All applicants hereby agree to follow the guidelines given by OCIP in a “Timely Fashion”
c) All applicants understand fully that March 31st ,2023 is the closing date and agree to have All documents, claims, requests for information, receipts, etc. to their OCIP Representative no later than March 20th ,2023 to ensure processing, mailing, delivery, etc. by OCIP before the March 31st ,2023 closing date.
d) All applicants agrees and understands that OCIP reserves the right to review, allow or disallow all claim(s) made depending on eligibility and/or Available funds.

Please review the list below to see if you have these needs,

• Emergency response staff
• Housing and shelter
• Essential goods
• Health and medical
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Transportation and delivery of goods
• Support for Elders, Youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable community members
• Educational support for children and youth
• Communications and utilities
• Cultural and spiritual supports
• Other activities related to supporting COVID-19 preparedness and response measures

To apply please fill out this Application